Login with Facebook / Google / Twitter

International Tennis News

IPTL: Indian Aces register thrilling win in their first home match

New Delhi: An electrifying atmosphere and a packed house cheering for the two participating teams greeted players in the second match of the inaugural Coca-Cola IPTL presented by Qatar Airways in New Delhi. The Micromax Indian Aces made the best of the incredible atmosphere and plenty of support, bouncing back after consecutive defeats in their last two encounters to register a thrilling victory in their opening match.

· In the Mixed Doubles match, both teams got off to strong starts, playing equally well. Micromax Indian Aces players Sania Mirza & Rohan Bopanna and opponents Kirsten Flipkens & Daniel Nestor gave the stadium its first taste of a 5-5 tie, which the latter won in a thrilling 5 minute shoot out to claim the set 6 – 5

· Past Champions Cedric Poiline and Mark Phillippoussis took on each other in an encounter that tested the strength and ability of both former greats. In the end, Phillippoussis prevailed, continuing his fantastic unbeaten run with a confident 6 – 4 victory

· Bopanna and Monfils battled it out against talented Treat Huey and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in a highly entertaining set of tennis, bringing to fore the power of joint effort. The match witnessed its second high power shoot out, which the Aces sealed in style

· The fight of the Frenchmen was a closely contested set between Monfils and Tsonga, who provided the crowds with edge of the seat action. Tsonga won the exhilarating contest 6 – 4

· In the women’s singles match, powered by Ana Ivanovic’s brilliance against Kirsten Flipkens, the home teamcame right back into the match. The scores were tied at 25 – 25, prompting a Super Shootout between the leading men’s players, Monfils and Tsonga, which went down to the wire and was won by Monfils in a nail biting contest

Rohan Bopanna

“I was definitely a little nervous playing at home. It was a close doubles, an even closer mixed doubles, and it feels fantastic to pull through. With Monfils, we played with a lot of confidence, understood the game of the opponents who were playing very well and having lost the mixed doubles I wanted to win the men’s doubles.”

Gael Monfils

“We were ready for the Super Shootout in case Ana wins and that is exactly what happened and we are thrilled with the win”

Kirsten Flipkens

“It’s not always as easy as it looks but I’m happy with the way things are going. It was great to play against the Indian champions in New Delhi. Daniel Nestor has been doing a fantastic job. Did you see his incredible serves? The atmosphere is great here.”

Mark Phillippoussis

“I had a lot of break points and had some great points. I am happy with the way I played. I just wanted a breather and I think it worked. I felt very confident in the rallies when I got the ball, quite certain that I would win a point. I’m going to continue to do my best for the team.”